The soccer team entered this season with high hopes of bringing home a state title this year. The team fell only one game short of the ultimate goal last season, but many key starters have returned to bring home the first state title since 1984. Even though the team had an amazing run last season, they are already hitting the back of the net more times than last season.

At the halfway mark, the team has scored a total of 65 goals and has allowed a stingy 11 goals. As of January 29th, the team record is 20-2-2, and as they leave the tournament games of their schedule, they are out in front with a 9-0 record in district. This young group of guys is improving during each game and have already surpassed their halfway stats from last season. 

The offensive side of the ball is led by junior, second-year starter Alex Rivero ‘20, who has the most goals this season for the team. Alex was new to the team last year, but that did not stop him from putting up huge numbers. At the halfway point this season, Alex has surpassed his stats from last season. He is only three goals away from breaking his record of 28 from last season.

“The chemistry of this talented team and the fact that we are more than just players on the same team,” Rivero said, “shows that we can hold the ball and be unselfish in front of the goal.”

On the defense side of the ball, Zach Blice ‘19 has taken a huge role as captain in his fourth year as a starter. He does it on the opponent’s side of the field too as he scores on corner kicks. He contributes to all aspects of the game.

“We really just have been playing well as a team than as individuals,” Blice said. “We are putting away teams early and then just finishing the game the same way we started: always having energy and focusing in when the game starts.”

The team’s success is stemmed from their chemistry and how well all the guys get along. Most of the players played alongside each other last season, and that could be an attribute to how well they are doing this year.

“The team has great chemistry,” Albert Salazar ‘19 said. “It is one of the factors towards our success.”